Abstract: A system can include a stand that includes a base and an upright; at least one arm mountable to the upright; and serial transmission port circuitry operatively coupled to a plurality of serial transmission ports disposed along the upright.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to access external vehicle cargo carriers and cargo are disclosed for moving cargo from a vehicle's roof to the vehicle's hood and returning the cargo to the roof for storage. A particular embodiment consists of using existing vehicle external roof-rack mounts and cargo carriers to allow mobile crossbars to deliver the cargo carrier and the cargo to a position at the front of the vehicle. A self-contained control system provides locomotive force to deploy and retrieve the cargo carrier and cargo. A human interface is used to control the apparatus and includes manual checks to ensure safe use. The apparatus can be used without a control system and operated manually.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed of a multifunctional utility rack attachment device, the components comprise of a body structure, a positioning mechanism, a position securing system, and a modular attachment system. The device mounts either directly or indirectly on to an off-road vehicle's utility rack. The body structure facilitates the use of a modular attachment system geared towards connecting various utility attachments seamlessly. The positioning mechanism facilitates the movement of the body structure some distance from the off-road vehicle creating opportunity for additional utilitarian purposes. The position securing system is used to lock the body structure into place in a specified configuration, as to not allow the positioning mechanism to act upon the body structure. The components are combined together to form the device.

Abstract: The lighted guidepost for a boat trailer may comprise a guidepost and a light assembly. The guidepost may be coupled to a boat trailer such that the guidepost extends vertically above a side of the rear of the boat trailer. The guidepost may be configured to be visible even when the rear of the boat trailer is submerged in water. The light assembly may be coupled to the top of the guidepost. The light assembly may be illuminated to increase the visibility of the guidepost. A pair of lighted guideposts may be coupled to opposing sides of the rear of the boat trailer such that the light assemblies may designate the rear of the boat trailer.

Abstract: A convertible cargo handling assembly may comprise a mat, a fitting, and a removable cargo handling component. The fitting may include a fixed component and a coupling component. The fixed component may be located in an opening defined by the mat. The removable cargo handling component may be located over the mat and removably coupled to the fixed portion of the fitting via a coupling between the coupling component and the fixed component.

Abstract: An adjustable vehicle luggage compartment attachment system comprises at least one bracket having a top end and a lower end. The top end receives a luggage compartment and the lower end mounts on the vehicle at the rear window or the trunk. At the top end of the bracket, at least one horizontal beam may be used to mount the luggage compartment. At the lower end the bracket may be releasably, fastenable and removeable from the vehicle and said luggage compartment using attachment mechanism such as a suction cup or other soft releasably, removeable attachment mechanism. The bracket may be static or expandable vertically, horizontally or both.

Abstract: A method of loading components into a vehicle includes the steps of opening an access door to gain access to a cabin of the vehicle, actuating a lift assembly to the open access door, securing the lift assembly to a portion of the cabin of the vehicle, and transferring the components to be loaded into the vehicle from the lift assembly to the cabin of the vehicle. The lift assembly is provided with the components to be loaded into the vehicle.

Abstract: A container handling system comprising a crane and a plurality of base elements. The base elements are designed for resting on containers and the crane is designed for being supported on containers or base elements. Containers can be transported on the base elements, which are preferably arranged to form a path. Also cranes, other base element etc. can travel on the paths. Base elements may be provided with rollers or the like and may comprise a turning unit for turning containers etc. about a vertical axis. The system may handle containers stored in a three-dimensional array by arranging base elements on top of containers, lifting containers onto base elements and moving containers across or along base elements to another location in the array. The array may be in a container yard or on a carrier vessel, where the handling system is part of its onboard equipment.

Abstract: A truck bed weighting system that does not interfere with the use of the bed for entry, exit or storage including an elongated canvas-like carrier mounted by loops to tie-down points on the bed side walls so the carrier sits longitudinally in the bed against the side walls. This carrier is designed to receive and hold a plurality of standard sand or other particulate sacks; e.g., 26? or 31?. A line of three canvases are provided in 70?, 78? and 96? lengths to accommodate the many varieties of truck bed lengths. In the off season, these carriers can be emptied of the sacks and utilized to store tools or other items in an out of the way position.

Abstract: A removable, modular, cargo deck trailer system may include different types of modular, interchangeable, removable deck units which are configured to be removably and interchangeably attached to a trailer. The different types of modular, interchangeable, removable deck units may collectively include a plurality of moving apparatus for moving cargo in a lengthwise direction relative to the deck units, for moving cargo in a vertical direction relative to the deck units, and for moving cargo in at least one of a widthwise direction relative to the deck units, and in a rotating direction relative to the deck units.

Abstract: A device for guiding a boat onto a trailer, the trailer having at least two longitudinal side rails, the device including a mounting assembly for attachment to a side rail to provide for transverse adjustment relative to the side rail's longitudinal axis and a bumper assembly attached to the mounting assembly and having at least one bumper mechanism that moves between an engaged position in which the device guides the boat into an aligned position on the trailer and a disengaged position in which the bumper mechanism is moved away from the boat to avoid contact with the boat.

Abstract: A system and method for automated trailer loading that utilizes an automatic case loader for loading product in a trailer is disclosed. A mobile base structure provides a support framework for a drive subassembly, conveyance subassembly, an industrial robot, a distance measurement sensor, and a control subassembly. Under the operation of the control subassembly, product advances through a powered transportation path and is stacked as product columns which are presented to an industrial robot which places the product columns within the trailer. The control subassembly coordinates the selective articulated movement of the industrial robot and the activation of the drive subassembly, which provides for forward and reverse movement as well as traverse movement between so that product may be loaded within multiple trailers without interruption.

Abstract: A device for guiding a boat onto a trailer, the trailer having at least two longitudinal side rails, the device including a mounting assembly for attachment to a side rail to provide for transverse adjustment relative to the side rail's longitudinal axis and a bumper assembly attached to the mounting assembly and having at least one bumper mechanism that moves between an engaged position in which the device guides the boat into an aligned position on the trailer and a disengaged position in which the bumper mechanism is moved away from the boat to avoid contact with the boat.

Abstract: A container for example for a seeder includes a filling conveyor mounted on one with a bottom hopper and an upper filling spout with the conveyor being movable in a direction inwardly and outwardly relative to the side of the container to different positions relative to the container for cooperation with a supply. This is achieved by mounting the conveyor on a swivel coupling at the outer end of an arm which can be raised and lowered by pivotal movement about an inner end at the container. The hopper is supported on two pairs of ground wheels, each pair being arranged on a respective side of the hopper for supporting the respective side and each pair comprising a respective one of a pair of castor wheels mounted at respective ends of a pivotal beam extending along the respective side of the hopper and pivotal about an axis transverse to the hopper.

Abstract: The invention relates to a loading platform (2,3) for displacing goods, comprising a support frame for goods (8) and at least one double roller device (7,9) arranged in longitudinal direction, wherein the double roller device comprises a number of first roller elements (9) situated at regular mutual distances and having a rolling surface (15), and a number of second roller elements (7) situated above the first roller elements and having a rolling surface (15), and wherein the rolling surface of the first roller elements lies against the rolling surface of the second roller elements, characterised in that the roller elements engage movably on the frame in vertical direction.

Abstract: A dolly device for loading and unloading a container which comprises a control frame that pivots among a plurality of operational positions such that the control frame facilitates the loading or unloading of the container and supports the container while being transported from location to location.

Abstract: A loader for mounting an elongated load onto the roof an automobile includes an axle, a pair of wheels mounted on the ends of the axle, an elongated stabilizer bar, a pair of tie-down straps and a pair of vacuum cups. The stabilizer bar is centrally mounted on the axle and the tie-down straps are mounted on the axle between the stabilizer bar and the wheels. During use, the vacuum cups are attached to the rear windshield of an automobile, the end of the stabilizer bar bears against the rear windshield and the tie-down straps are attached to a convenient portion of the automobile. The front portion of the load is placed on the wheels and the back of the load is lifted and the load is rolled onto the roof of the automobile.

Abstract: An apparatus for unloading rails from a freight car on which the rails are arrayed to extend in a longitudinal direction of the freight car comprises a track-bound car, and a rail guiding unit positioned at each car end. Each rail guiding unit comprises a pair of rail guide heads having guide rollers for centering a respective one of the rails therebetween. The rail guide heads of a first rail guiding unit are positioned at one of the car ends and are displaceable in a horizontal plane perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction, and drives are provided for vertically adjusting the rail guide heads of the first rail guiding unit.

Abstract: A wheeled transporter for air cargo includes a load carrying platform having rollers, connected at one edge to a power console incorporating a prime mover, and supported at the other edge with unpowered castoring wheels. The transporter is driven by two steerable wheels located beneath the console adjacent opposite ends. Each steerable wheel is driven by a reversible motor, and is steerable so that when one wheel is turned in one direction the other is turned in an opposite direction. The transporter can thus be driven in either direction along path (X), and turned or rotated on (Z). By turning the wheels through 90 degrees to the longitudinal direction, the transporter can be driven along a path (Y) in either direction, and steered by varying the differential speed of the wheels. A container carried on the deck can be moved and rotated in directions X', Y' and Z'.

Abstract: A conversion device for installation in a recess of an aircraft deck, such that the installed device forms part of the aircraft deck for use in load securement or handling, comprises a turnable member with at least two functional faces. Each functional face comprises a different functional unit, such as active or passive roller units, locking devices, fixation rails, running surfaces or the other standard features. A rotational mounting is provided for the turnable member and is so constructed and so mounted in the recess that the turnable member is enclosed within the recess and can be locked in a position such that one of its functional faces forms at least part of the aircraft deck, i.e. faces upward. This arrangement enables rapid conversion of the deck so that it can be used for various purposes.

Abstract: An adaptor is provided for a vehicle load bed having stake pockets along lateral edges. The adaptor allows pallets having indented peripheries to roll over the bed and to be locked in place on the bed. The adaptor has a base lying on the bed and guides in the form of upright walls disposed along lateral edges of the base. The guides keep the pallet on the bed as the pallet rides along the bed. Stakes on the bottom of the base are locked into the pockets to retain the adaptor to the bed. Extending from the walls are lips disposed over the pallet so as to limit or eliminate the pallet's vertical travel. The pallets ride on elongate rollers journalled between roller supports. The supports are fixed on the base parallel to the walls. Apertures of the same shape are defined both in the lips and the base and are aligned with one another. To fix the pallets to the adaptor, locking members are passed through the lip apertures, fit with indents of the pallets and passed through the base apertures.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted hoist includes container supporting roller assemblies configured to support a container for loading, unloading, transporting and/or dumping wherein the roller assemblies are vertically adjustable to provide for a variety of differently sized containers. The hoist includes a tilt frame and a plurality of brace devices mounted to the tilt frame and being for supporting a plurality of rollers in at least two different vertical positions, and includes a plurality of rollers sized and configured to be mounted to the brace devices to collectively support a container thereon.

Abstract: An improved boat trailer bow stop assembly which allows the boat operator to use the bow stop bumpers as a point of reference to ease in the loading and unloading of a boat from a trailer frame. The bow stop assembly has steps built into the structural members to allow the passengers to easily board the boat before launching and unboard the board once the boat is brought out of the water. The bow stop is located at an elevated position so that the operator can winch the boat on to the trailer without having to leave the boat. The bow stop assembly can be moved along and secured in the desired spot by U-bolts in order to accommodate a variety of different boats. The bow stop bumper pads are also adjustable to accommodate a variety of different boat types.

Abstract: A boat trailer having elongated bunk units for engagement with a portion of the hull of a boat, the bunk members rockable about a normally horizontal axis longitudinally of the boat for automatic nesting engagement with the boat hull, accommodating the improved hull engaging bunk units for a variety of various designed craft hulls.

Abstract: A boat situated on a boat trailer is fitted with a launching rope, attached at one end to a bow eye on the boat and at another end to an eye bolt attached to the rear of the trailer. The rope is supported between its ends by one or more rope retention guides that are situated adjacent to obstacles on the trailer, notably the keel support rollers, that might otherwise interfere with the rope when the boat is launched. To launch the boat, the launching rope is secured to the bow eye and the eye bolt and the trailer is backed down a boat launching ramp to a point at which the bow of the boat is at the waters edge, at which point the winch cable and safety chain securing the boat to the trailer are detached. The boat may undergo spontaneous premature launch at this point, but if not, the trailer is backed farther into the water, allowing the boat to float free as the trailer enters deeper water.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a truck body having a forward cab section and a rear bed section, the bed section adapted to further provide a plurality of horizontal members, comprising a truck bed, the members positioned atop a rear axle for defining a bed portion for accommodating a boat thereupon. There is further included a rear section of the bed portion hingedly engaged to the rear portion of the frame which is movable from a horizontal position to form the rear portion of the bed to a position so that the rearward most end of the bed moves downward to a position adjacent the ground for slidingly accommodating a boat thereupon. There is further included a winch adjacent the rear portion of the truck cab, the winch including an extendable line attachable to the front portion of the boat so that as the line is winched in, the boat is pulled up the rear ramp member and is slid to a position on the bed portion of the truck.

Abstract: An automobile/boat trailer for transporting an automobile with a boat supported above the automobile. Four corner vertical support columns are mounted on a trailer having standard rails for supporting an automobile. A boat trailer cradle is mounted so as to be vertically slidable along the support columns. Cables are attached to the trailer cradle and pass over pulleys secured to the top of each column. The cables are secured at their other ends to a winch for raising and lowering the boat cradle. Safety locks are provided for preventing the lowering of the boat cradle if the cables fail to support the cradle.

Abstract: Modules (30) include lateral bearing beams (32) for distributing cargo loads over a cargo compartment floor (4). Roller trays (34, 34', 34") are secured to and extend longitudinally between the beams (32). A tie-down support beam (38) is secured to and extends longitudinally between outboard portions of adjacent bearing beams (32). The support beam (38) is anchored to a rail (12) mounted in the floor (4). A side guide (40) is attached to of the bearing beams (32) and carries vertical restraint members (46) and a longitudinal restraint latch (48). Adjacent modules (30) are connected by slip joints (68). A cargo tray (80) has sloping sides (86) to conform to curving cargo compartment sidewalls (6). Slots (102) on the sides (86) engage the restraint members (46). The tray (80) has an outer shell (82) and a corrugated inner shell (90) with ridges which form support surfaces ( 98) coplanar with a peripheral horizontal lip (106).

Abstract: A cargo conveyor system (10) having a receiving platform (20) for receiving cargo containers (138) conveyed through a loading door (16) in an aircraft fuselage (14), and movable between a lower inclined position and a vertically raised, horizontally level position; a first roller platform (22) positioned at an upper horizontal level that is substantially coplanar with the vertically raised, horizontally level position, the first roller platform being adapted for lateral movement in the cargo hold (12) between a first position and a second position; and a second roller platform (24) vertically movable between an intermediate horizontal level position vertically below the first roller platform (22) and the upper horizontal level when the first roller platform (22) is in the second position. A lug (130) is contacted by the first roller platform (22) during lateral movement and moves a rod (128) to raise the second roller platform (24) to the upper horizontal level.

Abstract: A roller conveyor comprises rollers (10) journalled on through shafts (13), which are linked together by means of alternatingly arranged links (11, 11a). Links (11a) mounted between adjacent rollers (10) on a mutual shaft (13) have support surfaces (12) on one side of the plane of the conveyor. These links (11a) are placed separately, so that links on each side of one roller (10) are linked to different adjacent shafts (13) and are pivotable at least 135.degree. to each side of the conveyor plane.

Abstract: A modular cargo loading and unloading system for installation in the lower lobe compartment of an aircraft is disclosed. The system includes a doorway transfer unit (17) and a plurality of longitudinal units (19). Each of the units includes conveyor belts for supporting and moving cargo containers. The doorway transfer unit (19) includes perpendicular conveyor belts (35, 37) that are selectively raised, lowered and powered to change the direction of cargo container movement at the entryway of the lower lobe compartment. The longitudinal units (19) include powered belts (51) that move the cargo containers to and from their destinations in the lower lobe compartment. A quick-change mechanism that attaches the modular units to the cargo tie-down receptacles located in the deck of the lower lobe compartment allows the units to be quickly installed and removed.

Abstract: A boat trailer including a triangular frame comprised of a pair of identical, integrally formed frame sections connected by threaded fasteners. The running gear assembly and boat supporting structure is attached to the frame by fasteners to form a durable, inexpensive boat trailer that can easily be assembled and maintained by the user.

Abstract: A railroad track trailer for carrying replacement rail sections along a railroad track, which reduces the problems of having a trailer which will tend to jump off the track, when going around curves, and which includes support systems that ease the ability of workers to load and unload rail sections from the trailer.

Abstract: A loader device for loading carpet rolls onto small trucks comprising a frame with a plurality of rollers mounted transversely thereon at spaced intervals along the length of the frame, the rollers being coupled together to be driven simultaneously in the same rotational direction by a variable speed reversible DC motor, the rollers having a textured surface to provide strong frictional engagement with the carpet rolls, the frame being adapted to fit wholly within the bed area of the truck with the tail gate closed when not in use and to slide to a loading position with one end extending over the open tail gate of the truck.

Abstract: The trailer of the invention comprises a chassis comprising two vertical pivots (14a, 14b) disposed symmetrically with respect to its longitudinal axis (15), two retainer arms (13a, 13b) mounted for pivoting on the pivots (14a, 14b) and intended to receive the front part of the hull of the boat (10) therebetween, an actuating cylinder (16) connecting the arms (13a, 13b) together at their front part, two pad holders (17a, 17b) pivotably mounted at the rear ends of the retainer arms (13a, 13b) and gripper pads (19a, 19b) pivotably mounted on the pad holders (17a, 17b). The retainer arms (13a, 13b) comprise identical toothed sectors (20a, 20b) centered on the pivots (14a, 14b) of the chassis and whose teeth are in engagement along the longitudinal axis (15) thereof.

Abstract: A cargo transfer system (10) for loading a unit-load (26) into and unloading the unit-load from the lower hold (12) of an aircraft fuselage (14) and for transferring the unit-load into and out of storage position along the fuselage, includes a tiltable platform (22) constructed with a lateral belt drive in the form of conveyors (32) to receive the unit-load from ground equipment. After receipt of the unit-load (26) the platform (22) is returned to a horizontal position thereby causing the unit-load to be removed from the lateral belt conveyors (32) and instead supported by a longitudinal belt drive in the form of belt conveyors (34) and (35) mounted on the lower deck (24) of the aircraft.

Abstract: A system and method for converting the interior of a light aircraft such that it can be used to transport patients or cargo. The seats and other fixtures are removed from the aircraft cabin and a rack-like structure is temporarily secured to the tracks in the floor along one side of the cabin. A moveable ramp is secured to the tracks in the floor of the cabin adjacent the door such that it can be positioned in the doorway to extend from the door to the rack-like structure for loading and unloading. A stretcher or cart having casters on the bottom thereof is placed on the ramp and rolled onto the rack-like structure.

Abstract: A roller rail assembly for a cargo loading system for loading cargo-loaded pallets into a vehicle, such as an aircraft. The roller rail assembly is removably mounted in a track or channel assembly having alternate cutout portions and lip portions. The roller rail assembly includes an elongated rail member which has a tension stud extending substantially normally from the main body of the assembly along the bottom edge thereof, and a support shoulder extending from the main body of the assembly substantially normally thereto above the tension stud and in a substantially opposite direction thereto. Mounting blocks and axles are provided for rotatably mounting pairs of rollers on the main body of the assembly, the rollers being positioned on opposite sides of the track for rotation on an axis substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the track. The rail is removably supported in the track with the tension stud fitted underneath the lip portions of the track.

Abstract: A conveyor device useful also as a bulkhead in a storage compartment for trucks, railroad cars and cargo holds in airplanes, boats and the like. The conveyor device comprises a frame having adjustable bar means carried by the frame, to be pressed against the walls of the storage compartment to secure the frame as a bulkhead across the width of the storage compartment. Article conveyor track means are removably carried by the frame. Typically, in the bulkhead mode the track means serve as part of the bulkhead wall, while during loading or unloading the track means may be used to convey articles.

Abstract: A guide device for boat trailers includes a pair of guide devices each being mounted on one of the rear frame members of the boat trailer and each guide device including a vertically oriented guide roller. Each guide device also includes an obliquely oriented roller which is positioned adjacent the associated vertical roller. The vertical rollers are vertically adjustable and each oblique roller and its associated vertical roller are laterally adjustable as a unit to permit proper spacing between the guide devices to maintain a boat in centered relation as it is pulled upon the trailer.

Abstract: A roller assembly including a plurality of rollers mounted on a base plate. A support assembly having a reinforcement structure is provided. A clamp assembly joins the roller and support assemblies, the support assembly being pivotally attached to the clamp, the clamp being operable to move the roller and support assemblies toward, or away from, each other.